Systems, methods, and apparatuses related to the use of gas clathrates

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates generally to the use of gas clathrates. More particularly, this disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatuses related to the use of gas clathrates as a fuel source for automobiles. The gas clathrates may first be dissociated into at least one gas and the at least one gas delivered to the prime mover of a vehicle or the gas clathrates may be directly utilized by the prime mover as a fuel source.

If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the filing date ofthis application, it is incorporated by reference herein. Anyapplications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35 U.S.C. §§119, 120,121, or 365(c), and any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of such applications, are also incorporated byreference, including any priority claims made in those applications andany material incorporated by reference, to the extent such subjectmatter is not inconsistent herewith.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and/or claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Priority Applications”), if any, listed below(e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other thanprovisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e)for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent,grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the PriorityApplication(s)). In addition, the present application is related to the“Related Applications,” if any, listed below.

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

None

RELATED APPLICATIONS

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SYSTEMS, METHODS, ANDAPPARATUSES RELATED TO THE USE OF GAS CLATHRATES, naming Roderick A.Hyde and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 12 Apr. 2013 withattorney docket no. 0205-035-002-000000, is related to the presentapplication.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to theeffect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicantsreference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is acontinuation, continuation-in-part, or divisional of a parentapplication. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTOOfficial Gazette Mar. 18, 2003. The USPTO further has provided forms forthe Application Data Sheet which allow automatic loading ofbibliographic data but which require identification of each applicationas a continuation, continuation-in-part, or divisional of a parentapplication. The present Applicant Entity (hereinafter “Applicant”) hasprovided above a specific reference to the application(s) from whichpriority is being claimed as recited by statute. Applicant understandsthat the statute is unambiguous in its specific reference language anddoes not require either a serial number or any characterization, such as“continuation” or “continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S.patent applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicantunderstands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entryrequirements, and hence Applicant has provided designation(s) of arelationship between the present application and its parentapplication(s) as set forth above and in any ADS filed in thisapplication, but expressly points out that such designation(s) are notto be construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission asto whether or not the present application contains any new matter inaddition to the matter of its parent application(s).

If the listings of applications provided above are inconsistent with thelistings provided via an ADS, it is the intent of the Applicant to claimpriority to each application that appears in the Priority Applicationssection of the ADS and to each application that appears in the PriorityApplications section of this application.

All subject matter of the Priority Applications and the RelatedApplications and of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Priority Applications and the RelatedApplications, including any priority claims, is incorporated herein byreference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistentherewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to the use of gas clathrates. Moreparticularly, this disclosure relates to systems, methods, andapparatuses related to the use of gas clathrates as a fuel source forautomobiles.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides methods of providing gaseous fuel to a primemover of a vehicle. The methods comprise providing a vehicle fuelstorage system comprising a first vessel configured to receive, store,and discharge gas clathrates. The methods further comprise providing aseparation system comprising a second vessel operably connected to thevehicle fuel storage system. The separation system is configured todissociate the gas clathrates into at least one gas and a host material.The methods further comprise discharging the gas clathrates from thefirst vessel to the second vessel and dissociating at least a portion ofthe gas clathrates into the at least one gas and the host material. Themethods may further comprise delivering the at least one gas to theprime mover.

This disclosure also provides vehicle fuel systems configured to utilizegas clathrates. The vehicle fuel systems comprise a vehicle fuel storagesystem and a separation system. The vehicle fuel storage systemcomprises a first vessel configured to receive, store, and discharge gasclathrates. The separation system comprises a second vessel operablyconnected to the vehicle fuel storage system. The separation system isconfigured to dissociate the gas clathrates into at least one gas and ahost material.

This disclosure also provides vehicles comprising one of the abovevehicle fuel systems and a prime mover configured to utilize dissociatedgas to generate power. The prime mover may comprise an internalcombustion engine, an external combustion engine, or a fuel cell.

This disclosure also provides methods of powering a vehicle. The methodscomprise providing a vehicle fuel storage system comprising a firstvessel configured to receive, store, and discharge gas clathrates. Themethods further comprise discharging a portion of the gas clathratesfrom the first vessel and then generating heat from combusting thedischarged gas clathrates. The methods further comprise converting thegenerated heat into mechanical work and utilizing the mechanical work topower the drive train of a vehicle. The combustion may be conducted inan engine configured to convert the generated heat from combustion intothe mechanical work.

This disclosure also provides engines configured to directly utilize gasclathrates as a fuel source. This disclosure also provides vehiclescomprising such engines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle fuel system configured toutilize gas clathrates.

FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 with additional optionalcomponents and systems.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle configured to utilize gasclathrates as fuel source.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of an engine configured to directlyutilize gas clathrates as a fuel source.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of an engine configured todirectly utilize gas clathrates as a fuel source.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an engine configured todirectly utilize gas clathrates as a fuel source.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of an engine configured todirectly utilize gas clathrates as a fuel source.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of an engine configured todirectly utilize gas clathrates as a fuel source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to traditional fossilfuels. However, natural gas at ambient temperatures and atmosphericpressure is a low-volume gas. For an automobile to store a sufficientamount of natural gas for operation comparable to that of a gasoline ordiesel engine, it has been necessary to increase the density of thenatural gas. One approach has been to liquify the natural gas by coolingthe natural gas to about −162 degrees Centrigrade. At that temperature,natural gas is a liquid at essentially ambient pressure. Storage ofliquid natural gas (“LNG”) requires the use of special cryogenicequipment. Another approach has been to compress the natural gas to apressure of about 200 to 248 bars. At that pressure and ambienttemperature, natural gas occupies about 1/100th the volume of naturalgas at general ambient temperatures and pressures. Storage of compressednatural gas (“CNG”) requires the use of high-pressure storage vessels.

Gas clathrates are chemical substances in which certain gas moleculesare trapped in a cage or crystal lattice formed by certain hostmaterials. In many cases, the gas molecules stabilize the crystallattice or cage, such that the crystal lattice or cage may maintain itsstructure at much higher temperature and lower pressure than would bepossible without the presence of the gas molecules. Methane clathrates,for example, exist in nature, among other places, under sediments on theocean floors. Gas clathrates may be able to store gases, such asmethane, at volumes comparable to CNG, but at much lower pressures andat much higher temperatures than LNG.

Combustion of gas clathrates refers to dissociation of gas(es) from theclathrate host material and then combustion of the gas(es). During theprocess of combustion of the gas(es) the host material may also bevaporized. This vaporization does not constitute combustion. However, insome embodiments, the host material may include elements that may becombustible under certain conditions. Dissociation of gas(es) from theclathrate host material includes any process for separating the gas(es)from the clathrate host material. This includes diffusion of the gas(es)away from the solid clathrate host material and/or melting of theclathrate host material to release the gas(es).

The phrases “operably connected to,” “connected to,” and “coupled to”refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, includingmechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermalinteraction. Likewise, “fluidically connected to” refers to any form offluidic interaction between two or more entities. Two entities mayinteract with each other even though they are not in direct contact witheach other. For example, two entities may interact with each otherthrough an intermediate entity.

The term “substantially” is used herein to mean almost and including100%, including at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, atleast about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about98%, and at least about 99%.

This disclosure provides methods of providing gaseous fuel to a primemover of a vehicle. The methods comprise providing a vehicle fuelstorage system comprising a first vessel configured to receive, store,and discharge gas clathrates. The methods further comprise providing aseparation system comprising a second vessel operably connected to thevehicle fuel storage system. The separation system is configured todissociate the gas clathrates into at least one gas and a host material.The methods further comprise discharging the gas clathrates from thefirst vessel to the second vessel and dissociating at least a portion ofthe gas clathrates into the at least one gas and the host material.

The methods may further comprise delivering the at least one gas to theprime mover. The prime mover may be an internal combustion engine, anexternal combustion engine, or a fuel cell. The first vessel may beconfigured to discharge the gas clathrates as a slurry to the secondvessel.

The gas clathrates may comprise natural gas clathrates, methaneclathrates, ethane clathrates, propane clathrates, and hydrogenclathrates. Accordingly, the at least one gas may comprise natural gas,methane, ethane, propane, or hydrogen.

The host material may comprise water. The host material may furthercomprise clathrate stabilizers. Examples of clathrate stabilizerinclude, but are not limited to carboxylic acids and/or carboxylatecontaining compounds, such as lactic acid, acetic acid, the lactate ion,or the acetate ion; sodium hydroxide and/or a sodium ion; calciumhydroxide and/or a calcium ion; tetrahydrofuran; a surfactant, such asan anionic surfactant, such as alkyl sulfates or alkyl aryl sulfonates;an aphron; water soluble salts; clay; oxide particles, such as magnesiumoxide particles, organic compounds, such as phenyl, phenol,alkoxyphenyl, or imidazole containing compounds.

This disclosure also provides vehicle fuel systems configured to utilizegas clathrates. FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle fuel system 100 comprisinga vehicle fuel storage system 10 and a separation system 20. The vehiclefuel storage system 10 comprises a first vessel 11 configured toreceive, store, and discharge gas clathrates. The separation system 20comprises a second vessel 21 operably connected to the vehicle fuelstorage system 10. The separation system 20 is configured to dissociatethe gas clathrates into at least one gas and a host material.

First vessel 11 may be configured to maintain gas clathrates as a slurryduring storage or as a solid during storage. The solid gas clathratesmay be one cohesive solid or may be solid pellets and/or chunks. Firstvessel 11 may be configured to maintain an internal temperature of about0 degrees Centigrade to about 25 degrees Centrigrade. First vessel 11may be configured to maintain an internal temperature of about 0 degreesCentigrade to about 20 degrees Centrigrade. First vessel 11 may beconfigured to maintain an internal temperature of about 0 degreesCentigrade to about 15 degrees Centrigrade. First vessel 11 may beconfigured to maintain an internal temperature of about 0 degreesCentigrade to about 10 degrees Centrigrade, including from about 4degrees Centigrade to about 10 degrees Centigrade.

First vessel 11 may be configured to be integrally secured to the frameof a vehicle. First vessel 11 may be configured to be directly orindirectly detachably secured to the frame of a vehicle, such as via amechanical and/or magnetic device. First vessel 11 may be configured tobe detachably connected to the fuel supply lines that feed the primemover of a vehicle.

Second vessel 21 may be configured to operate at ambient temperatureand/or at any temperature that is higher than the operating temperatureof the first vessel 11. Alternatively, second vessel 21 may beconfigured to operate at a temperature that is about the same as anoperating temperature of the first vessel, but at a lower pressure thanthat of first vessel 11. For example, second vessel 21 may be configuredto maintain an internal temperature of about 0 degrees Centigrade toabout 25 degrees Centrigrade. Second vessel 21 may be configured tomaintain an internal temperature of about 0 degrees Centigrade to about20 degrees Centrigrade. Second vessel 21 may be configured to maintainan internal temperature of about 0 degrees Centigrade to about 15degrees Centrigrade. Second vessel 21 may be configured to maintain aninternal temperature of about 0 degrees Centigrade to about 10 degreesCentrigrade, including from about 4 degrees Centigrade to about 10degrees Centigrade.

First vessel 11 and second vessel 21 may each further compriseinsulation. The insulation may comprise at least one material configuredto and compatible with maintaining desired temperatures within eachvessel. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to,calcium silicate, cellular glass, elastomeric foam, fiberglass,polyisocyanurate, polystyrene, and polyurethane. The insulation maycomprise at least one vacuum layer and/or multi-layer insulation. Theinsulation may releasably surround at least a portion of an outersurface of the first vessel 11 and/or the insulation may be attached toat least a portion of a surface of the first vessel 11, including anouter and/or inner surface. The insulation may be attached to at least aportion of a surface of the second vessel 21, including an outer and/orinner surface.

First vessel 11 and second vessel 21 may each be comprised of structuralmaterials configured to and compatible with maintaining desiredtemperatures and pressures within each respective vessel. The structuralmaterial may comprise aluminum, brass, copper, ferretic steel, carbonsteel, stainless steel, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), vinylidene polyfluoride (PVDF),polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), nitrile rubber (NBR), chloroprene(CR), chlorofluorocarbons (FKM), and/or composite materials, includingcomposite materials comprising carbon fibers, glass fibers, and/oraramid fibers.

First vessel 11 may be designed to maintain an internal pressure ofabout 1 bar to about 30 bar. First vessel 11 may be designed to maintainan internal pressure of about 10 bar to about 30 bar. First vessel 11may be designed to maintain an internal pressure of about 10 bar toabout 15 bar. First vessel 11 may be designed to maintain an internalpressure of about 15 bar to about 27 bar. First vessel 11 may bedesigned to maintain an internal pressure of about 20 bar to about 27bar. First vessel 11 may be designed to leak or vent before burst.

First vessel 11 may be configured to receive gas clathrates as a solidand/or as a slurry. Alternatively, first vessel 11 may be configured toreceive at least one gas and the host material and form the gasclathrates within the first vessel 11.

Separation system 20 may be configured to maintain a lower pressure inthe second vessel 21 than the pressure maintained in the first vessel11.

Additionally or alternatively, separation system 20 may be configured tomaintain a pressure in the second vessel 21 sufficient to dissociate atleast some of the gas clathrates into at least one gas and hostmaterial, but still maintain a pressure greater than the pressurerequired for delivering the at least one gas as fuel to a prime moverutilizing the vehicle fuel system 100.

Separation system 20 may be configured to maintain an internal pressurein the second vessel of about ambient pressure to about 30 bar.Separation system 20 may be configured to maintain an internal pressurein the second vessel of about 5 bar to about 20 bar. Separation system20 may be configured to maintain an internal pressure in the secondvessel of about 10 bar to about 15 bar. Separation system 20 may beconfigured to maintain an internal pressure in the second vessel ofabout ambient pressure to about 10 bar. Separation system 20 may beconfigured to maintain an internal pressure in the second vessel ofabout ambient pressure. Second vessel 21 may be designed to leak or ventbefore burst.

FIG. 2 illustrates optional additional components and systems of vehiclefuel system 100.

Vehicle fuel storage system 10 may further comprise a firstrefrigeration system 12 in communication with first vessel 11. Firstrefrigeration system 12 may be configured to maintain an internaltemperature of the first vessel 11 within a desired set range.

First refrigeration system 12 may releasably surround at least a portionof the outer surface of the first vessel 11. Alternatively, the firstrefrigeration system 12 may be attached to at least a portion of asurface of the first vessel 11, including an outer and/or an innersurface.

First refrigeration system 12 may comprise a heat pipe. Firstrefrigeration system 12 may comprise a vapor compression system. Thevapor compression system may utilize a chlorofluorocarbon, achlorofluoroolefin, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon, ahydrochloro-fluoroolefin, a hydrofluoroolefin, a hydrochloroolefin, ahydroolefin, a hydrocarbon, a perfluoroolefin, a perfluorocarbon, aperchloroolefin, a perchlorocarbon, and/or a halon. First refrigerationsystem 12 may comprise a vapor absorption system. The vapor absorptionsystem may utilize water, ammonia, and/or lithium bromide. Firstrefrigeration system 12 may comprise a gas cycle refrigeration system,such as one that utilizes air. First refrigeration system 12 maycomprise a stirling cycle refrigeration system. The stirling cyclerefrigeration system may utilize helium. The stirling cyclerefrigeration system may comprise a free piston stirling cooler. Firstrefrigeration system 12 may comprise a thermoelectric refrigerationsystem.

Vehicle fuel storage system 10 may further comprise a first pressurizingdevice 13 operably connected to the first vessel 11 and configured tomaintain pressure within the first vessel 11. First pressurizing device13 may comprise a moveable press integrated with the first vessel 11,wherein the moveable press is configured to maintain pressure within thefirst vessel 11. Examples of a moveable press include, but are notlimited to, a hydraulic press. First pressurizing device 13 may comprisea compressor. Examples of a compressor include, but are not limited to,a centrifugal compressor, a mixed-flow compressor, an axial-flowcompressor, a reciprocating compressor, a rotary screw compressor, arotary vane compressor, a scroll compressor, and a diaphragm compressor.

Vehicle fuel storage system 10 may further comprise a first pressuremonitoring device 14 operably connected to the first vessel 11 andconfigured to monitor the internal pressure of the first vessel 11.First pressure monitoring device 14 may comprises a piezoresistivestrain gauge, a capacitive sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, apiezoelectric sensor, an optical sensor, a potentiometric sensor, athermal conductivity sensor, and/or an ionization sensor.

Vehicle fuel storage system 10 may further comprise a first heatingsystem 15 configured and located to impart heat energy to the firstvessel 11. First heating system 15 may be configured to transfer heatenergy from the coolant used to cool the prime mover of the vehicle.Likewise, first heating system 15 may be configured to transfer heatenergy from heat generated by the prime mover of the vehicle in anyfashion, such as from an exhaust stream generated by the prime mover ofthe vehicle. Alternatively or in addition thereto, first heating system15 may utilize solar energy, ambient temperatures, electric resistanceheating elements and/or dielectric heating to impart heat energy to thefirst vessel 11.

First heating system 15 may be located external to the first vessel 11.First heating system 15 may be located internally within the firstvessel 11. First heating system 15 may be integrated into a portion of asurface of the first vessel 11, including external or internal surfaces.First heating system 15 may be attached to at least a portion of asurface of the first vessel 11, such as the outer surface.

Vehicle fuel storage system 10 may further comprise a first temperaturemonitoring system 16 configured to monitor the internal temperature ofthe first vessel 11. First temperature monitoring system 16 may comprisea thermostat, a thermistor, a thermocouple, and/or a resistivetemperature detector.

Vehicle fuel storage system 10 may further comprise a first pressurerelief device 17 operably connected to the first vessel 11 andconfigured to reduce pressure within the first vessel 11. Examples of afirst pressure relief device 17 include, but are not limited to, apressure relief valve and a rupture disc.

Vehicle fuel storage system 10 may further comprise a first emergencycooling system 18 configured to rapidly cool the first vessel 11.

Vehicle fuel storage system 10 may further comprise a cooling controlsystem configured to receive inputs from first pressure monitoringdevice 14 and/or first temperature monitoring system 16. The coolingcontrol system may be configured to control first pressurizing device 13and/or first heating system 15, such that it regulates at least one ofpressure and temperature in order to maintain the gas clathrates withinfirst vessel 11 in a clathrate stability range.

Separation system 20 may further comprise a second refrigeration system22 in communication with second vessel 21. Second refrigeration system22 may be configured to maintain an internal temperature of the secondvessel 21 within a desired set range.

Second refrigeration system 22 may be attached to at least a portion ofa surface of the second vessel 21, including an outer and/or an innersurface.

Second refrigeration system 22 may comprise a vapor compression system.The vapor compression system may utilize a chlorofluorocarbon, achlorofluoroolefin, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon, ahydrochloro-fluoroolefin, a hydrofluoroolefin, a hydrochloroolefin, ahydroolefin, a hydrocarbon, a perfluoroolefin, a perfluorocarbon, aperchloroolefin, a perchlorocarbon, and/or a halon. Second refrigerationsystem 22 may comprise a vapor absorption system. The vapor absorptionsystem may utilize water, ammonia, and/or lithium bromide. Secondrefrigeration system 22 may comprise a gas cycle refrigeration system,such as one that utilizes air. Second refrigeration system 22 maycomprise a stirling cycle refrigeration system. The stirling cyclerefrigeration system may utilize helium. The stirling cyclerefrigeration system may comprise a free piston stirling cooler. Secondrefrigeration system 22 may comprise a thermoelectric refrigerationsystem.

Separation system 20 may further comprise second pressurizing device 23operably connected to the second vessel 21 and configured to maintainpressure within the second vessel 21. Second pressurizing device 23 maycomprise a moveable press integrated with the second vessel 21, whereinthe moveable press is configured to maintain pressure within the secondvessel 21. Examples of a moveable press include, but are not limited to,a hydraulic press. Second pressurizing device 23 may comprise acompressor. Examples of a compressor include, but are not limited to, acentrifugal compressor, a mixed-flow compressor, an axial-flowcompressor, a reciprocating compressor, a rotary screw compressor, arotary vane compressor, a scroll compressor, and a diaphragm compressor.

Separation system 20 may further comprise a second pressure monitoringdevice 24 operably connected to the second vessel 21 and configured tomonitor the internal pressure of the second vessel 21. Second pressuremonitoring device 24 may comprises a piezoresistive strain gauge, acapacitive sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, anoptical sensor, a potentiometric sensor, a thermal conductivity sensor,and/or an ionization sensor.

Separation system 20 may further comprise a second heating system 25configured and located to impart heat energy to the second vessel 21.Second heating system 25 may be configured to transfer heat energy fromthe coolant used to cool the prime mover of the vehicle. Likewise,second heating system 25 may be configured to transfer heat energy fromheat generated by the prime mover of the vehicle in any fashion, such asfrom an exhaust stream generated by the prime mover of the vehicle.Alternatively or in addition thereto, second heating system 25 mayutilize solar energy, ambient temperatures, electric resistance heatingelements and/or dielectric heating to impart heat energy to the secondvessel 21.

Second heating system 25 may be located external to the second vessel21. Second heating system 25 may be located internally within the secondvessel 21. Second heating system 25 may be integrated into a portion ofa surface of the second vessel 21, including external or internalsurfaces. Second heating system 25 may be attached to at least a portionof a surface of the second vessel 21, such as the outer surface.

Separation system 20 may further comprise a heat pipe, either as part ofsecond refrigeration system 22 and/or second heating system 25 orseparate therefrom. The heat pipe may be configured and located tocontrol the temperature of the second vessel 21.

Separation system 20 may further comprise a second temperaturemonitoring system 26 configured to monitor the internal temperature ofthe second vessel 21. Second temperature monitoring system 26 maycomprise a thermostat, a thermistor, a thermocouple, and/or a resistivetemperature detector.

Separation system 20 may further comprise a second pressure reliefdevice 27 operably connected to the second vessel 21 and configured toreduce pressure within the second vessel 21. Examples of a secondpressure relief device 27 include, but are not limited to, a pressurerelief valve and a rupture disc.

Separation system 20 may further comprise a second emergency coolingsystem 28 configured to rapidly cool the second vessel 21.

Separation system 20 may further comprise a pressure reducing valveoperably connected to the first vessel 11 and the second vessel 21,wherein the pressure reducing valve is configured to reduce the pressureof gas clathrates discharged from the first vessel 11 to the desiredpressure of the second vessel 21.

Separation system 20 may be configured to receive a continuous supply ofgas clathrates while a vehicle utilizing vehicle fuel system 100 isoperating. Alternatively, separation system 20 may be configured toperiodically receive a batch of gas clathrates while a vehicle utilizingvehicle fuel system 100 is operating. Furthermore, separation system 20may be configured to receive a variable supply of gas clathrates basedon fuel requirements of the prime mover of the vehicle utilizing thevehicle fuel system 100.

Separation system 20 may be configured to control the rate ofdissociation of the gas clathrates based on fuel requirements of theprime mover of the vehicle utilizing the vehicle fuel system 100, suchas by regulating at least one of the temperature and the pressure of thegas clathrates within the second vessel 21.

Second vessel 21 may comprises a chamber configured to dissociate thegas clathrates into at least one gas and host material. Alternatively orin addition thereto, second vessel 21 may comprises a conduit configuredto continuously dissociate the gas clathrates into at least one gas andhost material.

Second vessel 21 may comprise a host material outlet configured forremoving the host material from the second vessel 21. The host materialoutlet may be configured to periodically or continuously drain the hostmaterial from the second vessel 21 and remove the host material from thevehicle fuel system 100. The host material outlet may be configured torelease the host material to an environment outside of a vehicleutilizing vehicle fuel system 100.

Vehicle fuel system 100 may further comprise a first transport device 39operably connected to the vehicle fuel storage system 10 and operablyconnected to the separation system 20. The first transport device 39 maybe configured to transfer gas clathrates from the vehicle fuel storagesystem 10 to the separation system 20. First transport device 39 may beconfigured to transport the gas clathrates as a slurry and/or as asolid, such as solid chunks or pellets.

First transport device 39 may be at least partially located internallywithin the first vessel 11. Likewise, the first transport device 39 maybe at least partially external to the first vessel 11. Accordingly,first transport device 39 may be at least partially integrated into aportion of a surface, including an internal or external surface, of thefirst vessel 11. Additionally, the first transport device 39 may be atleast partially integrated into a portion of a surface, including aninternal or external surface, of the second vessel 21. Likewise, firsttransport device 39 may be at least partially internal and/or externalto the second vessel 21.

First transport device 39 may be configured for moving solid gasclathrate. First transport device 39 may be configured for moving gasclathrate slurry. First transport device 39 may be configured to behydraulically, mechanically, and/or electrically actuated.

First transport device 39 may comprise an auger, a grinder, an extruder,and/or a first pump. When first transport device 39 comprises a firstpump, the inlet of the first pump may be operably connected to thevehicle fuel storage system 10 and an outlet of the first pump may beoperably connected to the separation system 20. Examples of the firstpump include, but are not limited to, a positive displacement pump, alobe pump, an external gear pump, an internal gear pump, a peristalticpump, a screw pump, a progressive cavity pump, a flexible impeller pump,a rotary vane pump, and a centrifugal pump. The first pump may be anypump compatible with pumping a gas clathrate slurry.

First transport device 39 may comprise a gravity feed device for use inembodiments where a portion of the first vessel 11 is higher than aportion of the second vessel 21. The gravity feed device may comprise aport, a tube, a pipe, a channel, a valve, a check valve, or similar feedconduits. First transport device 39 may comprise a conduit (such as aport a tube, a pipe, a valve, a check valve, or a channel) inembodiments where the pressure in first vessel 11 is higher than thepressure in second vessel 21. First transport device 39 may comprise amoveable surface. The moveable surface may comprise a conveyor beltconfigured to receive a coating of the gas clathrates from the vehiclefuel storage system 10 and configured to at least partially discharge atleast one gas within the second vessel 21. For example, the moveablesurface may comprise a rotating drum configured to receive a coating ofthe gas clathrates within first vessel 11 and at least partiallydischarge at least one gas within the second vessel 11. In anotherexample, the moveable surface may comprise a string configured withbeads of gas clathrates that may be conveyed from the first vessel 11 tothe second vessel 21. In another example, the moveable surface maycomprise a rotating disk configured to receive a coating of the gasclathrates within first vessel 11 and at least partially discharge atleast one gas within the second vessel 11.

Vehicle fuel system 100 may further comprise a recycle system 40configured to return host material from separation system 20 to vehiclefuel storage system 10. Accordingly, vehicle fuel storage system 10 maybe configured to utilize at least a portion of the returned hostmaterial to fluidize the gas clathrates stored in the first vessel 11.The recycle system 40 may comprises a third vessel 41 configured tostore host material removed from second vessel 21.

The recycle system 40 may further comprise a second transport device 49configured to transport host material from the second vessel 21 to thethird vessel 41. Alternatively, second transport device 49 may beconfigured to transport host material from the second vessel 21 directlyto the first vessel 11. Second transport device 49 may be configured totransport the host material as a slurry or as a liquid.

The second transport device 49 may be located internally within thesecond vessel 21, may be integrated into a portion of a surface,including an internal or external surface, of the second vessel 21, ormay be external to the second vessel 21. Second transport device 49 maybe configured to be hydraulically, mechanically, and/or electricallyactuated.

Second transport device 49 may comprise a gravity feed device for use inembodiments where a portion of the second vessel 21 is higher than aportion of the first vessel 11. The gravity feed device may comprise aport, a pipe, a channel, a valve, a check valve, or similar feedconduits. The second transport device 49 may comprise an auger, grinder,and/or second pump. When second transport device 49 comprises a secondpump, the inlet of the second pump may be operably connected to theseparation system 20 and an outlet of the second pump may be operablyconnected to vehicle fuel storage system 10. Examples of the second pumpinclude, but are not limited to, a positive displacement pump, a lobepump, an external gear pump, an internal gear pump, a peristaltic pump,a screw pump, a progressive cavity pump, a flexible impeller pump, arotary vane pump, and a centrifugal pump. The second pump may be anypump compatible with pumping liquid or slurry host material.

Alternatively or in addition to recycle system 40, second vessel 21 maybe configured to temporarily store at least a portion of dissociatedhost material.

The vehicle fuel system 100 may further comprise delivery system 50configured to deliver gas dissociated from gas clathrates within firstvessel 11 and second vessel 21 to the prime mover of a vehicle utilizingvehicle fuel system 100.

Delivery system 50 may comprise a gas storage vessel 51 configured tostore dissociated gas removed from the second vessel 21. Second vessel21 may comprise a gas outlet configured for removing dissociated atleast one gas from the second vessel 21. The gas storage vessel 51 maybe operably connected to the gas outlet of second vessel 21 and operablyconnected to the prime mover.

Delivery system 50 may further comprise a metering system 52 configuredto control introduction of stored gas to the prime mover. Meteringsystem 52 may comprise a control valve operably connected to the gasstorage vessel 51 and to the prime mover. The control valve may beconfigured to control release of stored gas from the gas storage vessel51. Metering system 52 may further comprise a gas flow meter configuredto measure the flow rate of the stored gas released from the gas storagevessel 51.

Delivery system 50 may comprise a third transport device 59 configuredto transport gas from the separation system to the prime mover of avehicle. The third transport device may be configured to control thetransport of the gas based on the fuel requirements of the prime mover.The third transport device 59 may comprise a compressor. Examples of acompressor include, but are not limited to, a centrifugal compressor, amixed-flow compressor, an axial-flow compressor, a reciprocatingcompressor, a rotary screw compressor, a rotary vane compressor, ascroll compressor, and a diaphragm compressor.

Third transport device 59 may increase the temperature of the gastransported thereby, such as when the gas is compressed. Accordingly,delivery system 50 may further comprise a cooling device 53 configuredto reduce the temperature of dissociated at least one gas prior tointroduction of the gas into the prime mover.

Cooling device 53 may comprise a heat exchanger configured to be cooledby ambient air, such as a heat exchanger comprising cooling fins.Cooling device 53 may comprise a heat exchanger configured to be cooledby a coolant also used to cool the prime mover. Cooling device 53 maycomprise a heat exchanger configured to impart heat to the second vessel21 to cool the heat exchanger. In such embodiments, cooling device 53may be at least partially integrated into a surface, including aninternal or external surface, of the second vessel 21. Cooling device 53may comprise a heat exchanger configured to be cooled by dissociatedhost material. Cooling device 53 may comprise a heat exchangerconfigured to be cooled by gas clathrates either stored by first vessel11 or being transported by first transport device 39. For example, theheat exchanger may be at least partially integrated with the firsttransport device 39. Cooling device 53 may comprise a refrigerated coilconfigured to cool the dissociated at least one gas.

Dissociated gas may comprise more water vapor than can be tolerated bythe prime mover of a vehicle utilizing vehicle fuel system 100.Therefore, delivery system 50 may further comprise a moisture-removalsystem 54 configured to remove water from dissociated gas.Moisture-removal system 54 may comprise a dehumidifier, a dryer, and/ora molecular sieve column.

Moisture-removal system 54 may be integrated internally within thesecond vessel 21 or may be located external to the second vessel 21.Moisture-removal system 54 may be integrated into a portion of asurface, including an internal or external surface, of the second vessel21.

Gas storage vessel 51, metering system 52, cooling device 53,moisture-removal system 54, and third transport device 59 of deliverysystem 50 may be combined in any order. Additionally, any or all of thecomponents of delivery system 50 may not be present.

In some embodiments, a portion of the gas clathrates stored in firstvessel 11 will dissociate within first vessel 11. Additionally, gas maybe stored in first vessel 11 that never associated into clathrates withhost material. In such embodiments, the first vessel 11 comprises a gasoutlet configured and located for removing gas from the first vessel 11.The gas outlet of the first vessel 11 may be operably connected to gasstorage vessel 51. Alternatively, the gas outlet of the first vessel 11may be operably connected to the second vessel 21 and any gas present infirst vessel 11 conveyed to second vessel 21.

In some embodiments, the first vessel 11 may be configured to be readilyand easily removed from a vehicle and configured to be readily andeasily reattached to a vehicle. In such embodiments, second vessel 21may not be present, but instead the functionality of separation system20 may be integrated with vehicle fuel storage system 10, such that thegas clathrates are dissociated within first vessel 11.

In some embodiments, the first vessel 11 may be configured to facilitategas clathrate formation by agitating the gas and host material. Firstvessel 11 may be configured to agitate the gas and host material at afirst temperature and a first pressure compatible with forming the gasclathrates. First vessel 11 may comprise a mixing element located withinthe first vessel 11 that is configured to agitate the gas and hostmaterial. First vessel 11 may further be configured to agitate formedgas clathrates at a second temperature and a second pressure compatiblewith dissociating the gas clathrates back into the gas and host materialfor delivery to the prime mover of a vehicle. In such embodiments,second vessel 21 may not be present, but instead the functionality ofseparation system 20 may be integrated with vehicle fuel storage system10.

This disclosure also provides a vehicle comprising the vehicle fuelsystem 100 and a prime mover configured to utilize dissociated gas togenerate power. The prime mover may comprise an internal combustionengine, an external combustion engine, or a fuel cell. In someembodiments, the exhaust stream of the prime mover is condensed totransfer heat energy to the second vessel 21.

This disclosure also provides a method of powering a vehicle, where themethod comprises providing a vehicle fuel storage system comprising afirst vessel configured to receive, store, and discharge gas clathrates.The method further comprises discharging a portion of the gas clathratesfrom the first vessel and then generating heat from combusting thedischarged gas clathrates. The method further comprises converting thegenerated heat into mechanical work and utilizing the mechanical work topower the drive train of a vehicle. The combustion may be conducted inan engine configured to convert the generated heat from combustion intothe mechanical work.

This disclosure also provides a vehicle comprising an engine configuredto directly utilize gas clathrates as a fuel source. FIG. 3 illustratesa vehicle 200 comprising a vehicle fuel storage system 110 comprising afirst vessel 111 configured to receive, store, and discharge gasclathrates. Vehicle 200 further comprises an engine 160 configured todirectly utilize gas clathrates as a fuel source.

Engine 160 may be configured to receive gas clathrates as a solid, suchas in chunks, pellets, flakes, and/or pulverized particles, and/or as aslurry.

Engine 160 may comprise an internal or external combustion engine.Engine 160 may be configured to recover energy due to recondensation ofvaporized clathrate host material. The energy may be recovered within anexhaust system of engine 160 or within a cylinder of engine 160. Engine160 may be configured to supply at least a portion of the thermal energyrecovered from the engine 160 to the first vessel 111.

Engine 160 may comprise a two-stroke engine. Engine 160 may comprise afour-stroke engine. For example, the four-stroke engine may comprisepistons configured for reciprocation or may comprises a pistonlessrotary engine. The four-stroke engine may comprise an injectorconfigured to spray liquified gas clathrates into a combustion chamberof the four-stroke engine. The gas clathrates may be liquified eitherbefore introduction to the injector or may be liquified within theinjector. Engine 160 may also comprise a six-stroke engine.

Engine 160 may also comprise any of the engines discussed belowregarding FIGS. 4-8.

FIG. 4 illustrates an engine 300 configured to directly utilize gasclathrates as a fuel source. Engine 300 is a two-stroke engine. Engine300 comprises an intake port 310 configured to receive gas clathrates.Engine 300 further comprises a crankcase 320 in fluidic communicationwith the intake port 310. Crankcase 320 is operably sized and configuredto receive the gas clathrates in sequence with rotation of a crankshaft325 rotatably engaged within the crankcase 320. Crankcase 320 isconfigured to dissociate the gas clathrates into at least one gas andhost material within crankcase 320. Engine 300 further comprises acombustion chamber 330 in fluidic communication with the crankcase 320and configured to combust the at least one gas dissociated withincrankcase 320. Engine 300 further comprises a piston 340 slidablyengaged within the combustion chamber 330 and operably connected to thecrankshaft 325. Engine 300 further comprises an exhaust port 350operably connected to the combustion chamber 330 and configured toremove combustion products from the combustion chamber 330 in sequencewith movement of the piston 340.

Crankcase 320 may be further configured to at least partially vaporizethe host material, such that the vaporized host material is transportedwith the dissociated gas into the combustion chamber 330. Combustionchamber 33 and/or the exhaust port 350 may be configured to removevaporized host material from the combustion chamber 330, including anyhost material that may have recondensed within combustion chamber 330.

Engine 300 may be configured to transfer at least a portion of heatenergy from the exhaust stream of the engine 300 to the crankcase 320.For example, engine 300 may comprise a heat exchanger operably connectedwith the exhaust port 350 and operably connected with at least a portionof a surface, such as an external surface, of the crankcase 320. Theheat exchanger may be configured to transfer at least a portion of theheat energy from the exhaust stream to the surface of the crankcase 320.

The intake port 310 may also be configured to receive an oxygen supplyin addition to receiving gas clathrates. The oxygen supply may compriseair and/or pure oxygen. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, engine300 may further comprise a second intake port configured to receive theoxygen supply, but not the gas clathrates. The second intake port may beconfigured for fluidic communication with the crankcase 320.

Engine 300 may further comprise an oil reservoir and oil pump locatedexternal to the crankcase 320 and configured to provide lubricating oilto moving parts within the crankcase 320 and the combustion chamber 330.Engine 300 may be configured to combust the lubricating oil.

Any variation of a two-stroke engine that is known in the art and iscompatible with direct utilization of gas clathrates as fuel may beused. For example, intake port 310 may be configured and located forpiston control of engine 300. In another example, engine 300 may furthercomprise a reed inlet valve configured for fluidic communication withthe intake port 310. For example, engine 300 may comprise a bourkeengine. In other examples, engine 300 may be configured for cross-flowscavenging, loop scavenging, or uni-flow scavenging. Engine 300 mayfurther comprise an exhaust port timing valve in fluidic communicationwith the exhaust port 350. Engine 300 may further comprise a valve influidic communication with the exhaust port 350, where the valve isconfigured to alter the volume of combustion products removed via theexhaust port 350.

The combustion chamber 330 may comprise a cylinder configured foroperable connection with the piston 330, wherein the piston 330 islocated within the cylinder. Engine 300 may be configured to transfer atleast a portion of the heat energy from the cylinder to the crankcase320.

FIG. 5 illustrates an engine 400 configured to directly utilize gasclathrates as a fuel source. Engine 400 is an alpha configurationstirling engine. Engine 400 comprises a hot cylinder 410 and a firstpiston 420 slidably engaged within the hot cylinder 410. Engine 400further comprises a flywheel 430 operably connected to the first piston420. Engine 400 further comprises a cool cylinder 440 and a secondpiston 450 slidably engaged within the cool cylinder 440. The secondpiston 450 is operably connected to the flywheel 430. Engine 400 furthercomprises a regenerator 460 configured to fluidically connect a workingfluid within the hot cylinder 410 and the cool cylinder 440 andconfigured to transfer heat to and from the working fluid as the fluidsis shuttled back and forth between hot cylinder 410 and cool cylinder440. Engine 400 further comprises a combustion chamber 470 configured tocombust the gas clathrates and supply heat to the hot cylinder 410.

Combustion chamber 470 may be operably connected to a vehicle fuelstorage system, such as vehicle fuel storage system 110 of FIG. 3.

Any variation of an alpha configuration stirling engine that is known inthe art and is compatible with direct utilization of gas clathrates asfuel may be used. For example, cool cylinder 440 may be configured withcooling fins designed to radiate heat away from the cool cylinder 440and/or cool cylinder 440 may be configured for liquid cooling. Inanother example, at least a portion of the hot cylinder 410 may belocated within the combustion chamber 470. In yet another example,engine 400 may be configured to utilize heat energy from the exhauststream from the combustion chamber 470 to heat at least a portion of thehot cylinder 410. Likewise, any working fluid known in the art for astirling engine may be used, such as, by way on non-limiting example,air, hydrogen, helium, and/or nitrogen.

Engine 400 may be configured to further utilize heat energy from theexhaust stream from the combustion chamber 470 to impart heat to the gasclathrate storage vessel, such as the first vessel 111 of FIG. 3.

Combustion chamber 470 may be configured to substantially vaporize anyhost material dissociated from the gas clathrates. Combustion chamber470, or some other components of engine 400, may be configured tosubstantially recondense any vaporized host material dissociated fromthe gas clathrates. Combustion chamber 470 may be configured to melt,but not vaporize, at least a portion of the host material.

Combustion chamber 470 may be configured to utilize pulverized gasclathrate solids blown into the combustion chamber 470. Combustionchamber 470 may be configured to utilize solid gas clathrate chunks,pellets, and/or flakes. Combustion chamber 470 may be configured toutilize gas clathrates as a slurry.

Combustion chamber 470 may comprises a grate configured to hold the gasclathrates during combustion of dissociated gas. The grate may beconfigured to allow liquid host material to drip through the grate. Theliquid host material may collect below the grate. The grate may beconfigured to be stationary. Alternatively, the grate may be configuredto rotate at least partially within the combustion chamber 470.Combustion chamber 470 may be operably connected to a stoker configuredto feed gas clathrate solids onto at least a portion of the grate.

Combustion chamber 470 may comprise an outlet configured to removecollected host material from the combustion chamber 470. Engine 400 mayfurther comprise a drain system fluidically connected to the outlet. Thedrain system may be configured to release the collected host material tothe environment. Alternatively, the drain system may be fluidicallyconnected to a host material storage tank configured to store thecollected host material. Engine 400 may further comprise a coolingsystem fluidically connected to the outlet and configured to use thecollected host material to cool the cool cylinder 440.

Engine 400 may further comprise an oxygen supply device operablyconnected to the combustion chamber 470 and configured to supply oxygento the combustion chamber 470. The oxygen supply device may beconfigured to supply air to the combustion chamber 470, such as byblowing atmospheric air into the combustion chamber 470. Alternativelyor in addition thereto, the oxygen supply device may comprise an oxygentank and may be configured to provide pressurized oxygen to thecombustion chamber 470.

FIG. 6 illustrates an engine 500 configured to directly utilize gasclathrates as a fuel source. Engine 500 is a beta configuration stirlingengine. Engine 500 comprises a cylinder 505 comprising a hot end 510configured to transfer heat during operation to a working fluid withinthe cylinder 505 and comprising a cool end 540 configured to remove heatfrom the working fluid. Engine 500 further comprises a displacer piston520 slidably engaged within the cylinder 505 and configured to move theworking fluid back and forth between the hot end 510 and the cold end540 during operation. The displacer piston 520 is operably connected toa flywheel 530. Engine 500 further comprises a working piston 550slidably engaged within the cylinder 505 and operably connected to theflywheel 530. Engine 500 further comprises a combustion chamber 570configured to combust the gas clathrates and supply heat to the hot end510.

Combustion chamber 570 may be operably connected to a vehicle fuelstorage system, such as vehicle fuel storage system 110 of FIG. 3.

Any variation of a beta configuration stirling engine that is known inthe art and is compatible with direct utilization of gas clathrates asfuel may be used. For example, engine 500 may comprise a regeneratorfluidically connected to the hot end 510 and to the cool end 540 of thecylinder 505. The regenerator may be configured to transfer heat to andfrom the working fluid within the cylinder 505. In another example, coolend 540 may be configured with cooling fins designed to radiate heataway from the cool end 540 and/or cool cylinder 540 may be configuredfor liquid cooling. In another example, at least a portion of the hotend 510 may be located within the combustion chamber 570. In yet anotherexample, engine 500 may be configured to utilize heat energy from theexhaust stream from the combustion chamber 570 to heat at least aportion of the hot end 510. Likewise, any working fluid known in the artfor a stirling engine may be used, such as, by way on non-limitingexample, air, hydrogen, helium, and/or nitrogen.

Engine 500 may be configured to further utilize heat energy from theexhaust stream from the combustion chamber 570 to impart heat to the gasclathrate storage vessel, such as the first vessel 111 of FIG. 3.

Combustion chamber 570 may be configured to substantially vaporize anyhost material dissociated from the gas clathrates. Combustion chamber570, or some other components of engine 500, may be configured tosubstantially recondense any vaporized host material dissociated fromthe gas clathrates. Combustion chamber 570 may be configured to melt,but not vaporize, at least a portion of the host material.

Combustion chamber 570 may be configured to utilize pulverized gasclathrate solids blown into the combustion chamber 570. Combustionchamber 570 may be configured to utilize solid gas clathrate chunks,pellets, and/or flakes. Combustion chamber 570 may be configured toutilize gas clathrates as a slurry.

Combustion chamber 570 may comprises a grate configured to hold the gasclathrates during combustion of dissociated gas. The grate may beconfigured to allow liquid host material to drip through the grate. Theliquid host material may collect below the grate. The grate may beconfigured to be stationary. Alternatively, the grate may be configuredto rotate at least partially within the combustion chamber 570.Combustion chamber 570 may be operably connected to a stoker configuredto feed gas clathrate solids onto at least a portion of the grate.

Combustion chamber 570 may comprise an outlet configured to removecollected host material from the combustion chamber 570. Engine 500 mayfurther comprise a drain system fluidically connected to the outlet. Thedrain system may be configured to release the collected host material tothe environment. Alternatively, the drain system may be fluidicallyconnected to a host material storage tank configured to store thecollected host material. Engine 500 may further comprise a coolingsystem fluidically connected to the outlet and configured to use thecollected host material to cool the cool end 540.

Engine 500 may further comprise an oxygen supply device operablyconnected to the combustion chamber 570 and configured to supply oxygento the combustion chamber 570. The oxygen supply device may beconfigured to supply air to the combustion chamber 570, such as byblowing atmospheric air into the combustion chamber 570. Alternativelyor in addition thereto, the oxygen supply device may comprise an oxygentank and may be configured to provide pressurized oxygen to thecombustion chamber 570.

FIG. 7 illustrates an engine 600 configured to directly utilize gasclathrates as a fuel source. Engine 600 is a gamma configurationstirling engine. Engine 600 comprises a hot cylinder 610 and a displacerpiston 620 slidably engaged within the hot cylinder 610. The displacerpiston is operably connected to a flywheel 630. Engine 600 furthercomprises a cool cylinder 640 and a second piston 650 slidably engagedwithin the cool cylinder 640. The second piston is operably connected tothe flywheel 630. Engine 600 further comprises a combustion chamber 670configured to combust the gas clathrates and supply heat to the hotcylinder 610.

Combustion chamber 670 may be operably connected to a vehicle fuelstorage system, such as vehicle fuel storage system 110 of FIG. 3.

Any variation of a gamma configuration stirling engine that is known inthe art and is compatible with direct utilization of gas clathrates asfuel may be used. For example, engine 600 may comprise a regeneratorfluidically connected to the hot cylinder 610 and to the cool cylinder640. The regenerator may be configured to transfer heat to and from theworking fluid within hot cylinder 610 and cool cylinder 640. In anotherexample, cool cylinder 640 may be configured with cooling fins designedto radiate heat away from the cool cylinder 640 and/or cool cylinder 640may be configured for liquid cooling. In another example, at least aportion of the hot cylinder 610 may be located within the combustionchamber 670. In yet another example, engine 600 may be configured toutilize heat energy from the exhaust stream from the combustion chamber670 to heat at least a portion of the hot cylinder 610. Likewise, anyworking fluid known in the art for a stirling engine may be used, suchas, by way on non-limiting example, air, hydrogen, helium, and/ornitrogen.

Engine 600 may be configured to further utilize heat energy from theexhaust stream from the combustion chamber 670 to impart heat to the gasclathrate storage vessel, such as the first vessel 111 of FIG. 3.

Combustion chamber 670 may be configured to substantially vaporize anyhost material dissociated from the gas clathrates. Combustion chamber670, or some other components of engine 600, may be configured tosubstantially recondense any vaporized host material dissociated fromthe gas clathrates. Combustion chamber 670 may be configured to melt,but not vaporize, at least a portion of the host material.

Combustion chamber 670 may be configured to utilize pulverized gasclathrate solids blown into the combustion chamber 670. Combustionchamber 670 may be configured to utilize solid gas clathrate chunks,pellets, and/or flakes. Combustion chamber 670 may be configured toutilize gas clathrates as a slurry.

Combustion chamber 670 may comprises a grate configured to hold the gasclathrates during combustion of dissociated gas. The grate may beconfigured to allow liquid host material to drip through the grate. Theliquid host material may collect below the grate. The grate may beconfigured to be stationary. Alternatively, the grate may be configuredto rotate at least partially within the combustion chamber 670.Combustion chamber 670 may be operably connected to a stoker configuredto feed gas clathrate solids onto at least a portion of the grate.

Combustion chamber 670 may comprise an outlet configured to removecollected host material from the combustion chamber 670. Engine 600 mayfurther comprise a drain system fluidically connected to the outlet. Thedrain system may be configured to release the collected host material tothe environment. Alternatively, the drain system may be fluidicallyconnected to a host material storage tank configured to store thecollected host material. Engine 600 may further comprise a coolingsystem fluidically connected to the outlet and configured to use thecollected host material to cool the cool cylinder 640.

Engine 600 may further comprise an oxygen supply device operablyconnected to the combustion chamber 670 and configured to supply oxygento the combustion chamber 670. The oxygen supply device may beconfigured to supply air to the combustion chamber 670, such as byblowing atmospheric air into the combustion chamber 670. Alternativelyor in addition thereto, the oxygen supply device may comprise an oxygentank and may be configured to provide pressurized oxygen to thecombustion chamber 670.

FIG. 8 illustrates an engine 700 configured to directly utilize gasclathrates as a fuel source. Engine 700 is a double-acting configurationstirling engine coupled to a swash plate to generate rotary motion.Engine 700 comprises, in the illustrated embodiment, four cylinders 705a, 705 b, 705 c, and 705 d. Each of the cylinders comprises a hot end710 a, 710 b, 710 c, and 710 d, respectively, configured to transferheat during operation to a working fluid within each of cylinder. Eachof the cylinders comprises a cool end 740 a, 740 b, 740 c (not shown),and 740 d, respectively, configured to remove heat from the workingfluid.

Engine 700 further comprises multiple conduits 780 a, 780 b, 780 c (notshown), and 780 d, respectively. Each conduit fluidically connects onehot end of a cylinder with one cool end of a different cylinder. Forexample, conduit 780 a connects hot end 710 a with cool end 740 c (notshown). Conduit 780 b connects hot end 710 b with cool end 740 a.Conduit 780 c connects hot end 710 c with cool end 740 d. Conduit 780 dconnects hot end 710 d with cool end 740 b. In this way, the workingfluid within each cylinder is in fluidic communication with the workingfluid within each of the other cylinders. Conduit 780 a includes aregenerator (not shown). Conduit 780 b includes a regenerator 760 b.Conduit 780 c includes a regenerator (not shown). Conduit 780 d includesa regenerator 760 d. Each of the regenerators is configured to transferheat to and from the working fluid as it shuttles within the respectiveconduit.

Engine 700 further comprises multiple pistons. Each of cylinders 705 a,705 b, 705 c, and 705 d house a piston 720 a, 720 b, 720 c (not shown),and 720 d, respectively, slidably engaged within each cylinder. Each ofpistons 720 a, 720 b, 720 c, and 720 d is operably connected to a singleswash plate 790. Reciprocating motion of pistons 720 a, 720 b, 720 c,and 720 d translates into rotary motion of the swash plate 790. Swashplate 790 is operably connected to rotatable shaft 795. Rotatable shaft795 may in turn be connected to drive components of a vehicle, such asvehicle 200 of FIG. 3.

Engine 700 further comprises a combustion chamber 770 configured tocombust the gas clathrates and supply heat to each of the hot ends 710a, 710 b, 710 c, and 710 d.

Combustion chamber 770 may be operably connected to a vehicle fuelstorage system, such as vehicle fuel storage system 110 of FIG. 3.

Any variation of a double-acting stirling engine that is known in theart and is compatible with direct utilization of gas clathrates as fuelmay be used. For example, engine 700 may comprise more or lesscylinders. In another example, each of cool ends 740 a, 740 b, 740 c,and 740 d may be configured with cooling fins designed to radiate heataway from itself and/or may be configured for liquid cooling. In anotherexample, at least a portion of each of the hot ends 710 a, 710 b, 710 c,and 710 d may be located within the combustion chamber 770. In yetanother example, engine 700 may be configured to utilize heat energyfrom the exhaust stream from the combustion chamber 770 to heat at leasta portion of each of the hot ends 710 a, 710 b, 710 c, and 710 d.Likewise, any working fluid known in the art for a stirling engine maybe used, such as, by way on non-limiting example, air, hydrogen, helium,and/or nitrogen.

Engine 700 may be configured to further utilize heat energy from theexhaust stream from the combustion chamber 770 to impart heat to the gasclathrate storage vessel, such as the first vessel 111 of FIG. 3.

Combustion chamber 770 may be configured to substantially vaporize anyhost material dissociated from the gas clathrates. Combustion chamber770, or some other components of engine 700, may be configured tosubstantially recondense any vaporized host material dissociated fromthe gas clathrates. Combustion chamber 770 may be configured to melt,but not vaporize, at least a portion of the host material.

Combustion chamber 770 may be configured to utilize pulverized gasclathrate solids blown into the combustion chamber 770. Combustionchamber 770 may be configured to utilize solid gas clathrate chunks,pellets, and/or flakes. Combustion chamber 770 may be configured toutilize gas clathrates as a slurry.

Combustion chamber 770 may comprises a grate configured to hold the gasclathrates during combustion of dissociated gas. The grate may beconfigured to allow liquid host material to drip through the grate. Theliquid host material may collect below the grate. The grate may beconfigured to be stationary. Alternatively, the grate may be configuredto rotate at least partially within the combustion chamber 770.Combustion chamber 770 may be operably connected to a stoker configuredto feed gas clathrate solids onto at least a portion of the grate.

Combustion chamber 770 may comprise an outlet configured to removecollected host material from the combustion chamber 770. Engine 700 mayfurther comprise a drain system fluidically connected to the outlet. Thedrain system may be configured to release the collected host material tothe environment. Alternatively, the drain system may be fluidicallyconnected to a host material storage tank configured to store thecollected host material. Engine 700 may further comprise a coolingsystem fluidically connected to the outlet and configured to use thecollected host material to cool each of the cool ends 740 a, 740 b, 740c, and 740 d.

Engine 700 may further comprise an oxygen supply device operablyconnected to the combustion chamber 770 and configured to supply oxygento the combustion chamber 770. The oxygen supply device may beconfigured to supply air to the combustion chamber 770, such as byblowing atmospheric air into the combustion chamber 770. Alternativelyor in addition thereto, the oxygen supply device may comprise an oxygentank and may be configured to provide pressurized oxygen to thecombustion chamber 770.

Returning to FIG. 3, engine 160 may also comprise a steam engine. Thesteam engine may comprise a boiler operably connected to a combustionchamber. The combustion chamber may be operably connected to the vehiclefuel storage system 110. The combustion chamber may be configured tocombust the gas clathrates and also configured to supply heat to theboiler.

The boiler may comprise any boiler compatible with automotive use. Forexample, the boiler may comprise a fire-tube boiler, a water-tubeboiler, or a fluidized bed combustion boiler. At least a portion of theboiler may be located within the combustion chamber.

The steam engine may be configured to further utilize heat energy fromthe exhaust stream from the combustion chamber to impart heat to thefirst vessel 111.

The combustion chamber may be configured to substantially vaporize anyhost material dissociated from the gas clathrates. The combustionchamber, or some other components of the steam engine, may be configuredto substantially recondense any vaporized host material dissociated fromthe gas clathrates. The combustion chamber may be configured to melt,but not vaporize, at least a portion of the host material.

The combustion chamber may be configured to utilize pulverized gasclathrate solids blown into the combustion chamber. The combustionchamber may be configured to utilize solid gas clathrate chunks,pellets, and/or flakes. The combustion chamber may be configured toutilize gas clathrates as a slurry.

The combustion chamber may comprise a grate configured to hold the gasclathrates during combustion of dissociated gas. The grate may beconfigured to allow liquid host material to drip through the grate. Theliquid host material may collect below the grate. The grate may beconfigured to be stationary. Alternatively, the grate may be configuredto rotate at least partially within the combustion chamber. Thecombustion chamber may be operably connected to a stoker configured tofeed gas clathrate solids onto at least a portion of the grate.

The combustion chamber may comprise an outlet configured to removecollected host material from the combustion chamber. The steam enginemay further comprise a drain system fluidically connected to the outlet.The drain system may be configured to release the collected hostmaterial to the environment. Alternatively, the drain system may befluidically connected to a host material storage tank configured tostore the collected host material.

The steam engine may further comprise an oxygen supply device operablyconnected to the combustion chamber and configured to supply oxygen tothe combustion chamber. The oxygen supply device may be configured tosupply air to the combustion chamber, such as by blowing atmospheric airinto the combustion chamber. Alternatively or in addition thereto, theoxygen supply device may comprise an oxygen tank and may be configuredto provide pressurized oxygen to the combustion chamber.

Turning now to vehicle fuel storage system 110, vehicle fuel storagesystem 110 may comprise analogous components and systems to that ofvehicle fuel storage system 10. It should be understood that anydisclosure regarding either system may be applicable to the other. Itshould be understood that any disclosure regarding first vessel 11 mayalso apply equally to the first vessel 111 and vice versa.

First vessel 111 may be configured to maintain a first temperature and afirst pressure during storage of the gas clathrates. The firsttemperature and the first pressure may be compatible with maintainingstability of the gas clathrates, such as those temperatures and pressurediscussed above regarding first vessel 11. The first vessel 111 may alsobe configured to maintain the first temperature and the first pressureduring discharge of the gas clathrates from the first vessel.

Vehicle fuel storage system 110 may be configured to discharge the gasclathrates as a solid from the first vessel 111. The vehicle fuelstorage system 110 may be configured to discharge from the first vessel111 the gas clathrates as a slurry of solid gas clathrate particleswithin a carrier fluid. The carrier fluid may comprise melted hostmaterial. Vehicle 200 may further comprise a filtration device to atleast partially prevent introduction of the carrier fluid into theengine 160. The filtration device may be configured to return at least aportion of the carrier fluid to the first vessel 111.

The vehicle fuel storage system 110 may comprise a metering systemconfigured to control introduction of the gas clathrates to the engine160. The metering system may be configured as necessary to handle thegas clathrates as either a solid or a slurry. The metering system maycomprise a flow meter configured to measure the flow rate of the gasclathrates discharged from the first vessel 111. The metering system mayalso comprise a hopper configured to control the feed rate of the slurryto the engine 160.

The vehicle 200 may further comprise a first transport device operablyconnected to the vehicle fuel storage system 110 and operably connectedto the metering system. The first transport device may be configured totransfer the gas clathrates from the vehicle fuel storage system 110 tothe metering system. It should be understood that this first transportdevice is analogous to the first transport device 39 of vehicle fuelsystem 100. Any disclosure regarding the first transport device 39 andits interactions with the first vessel 11 and the second vessel 21 areapplicable to this first transport device and its interactions withfirst vessel 111 and the metering system.

Vehicle 200 may also be configured such that a portion of the gasclathrates are dissociated into gas and host material and the gasdelivered to engine 160. Thus, engine 160 may be configured to utilizeboth dissociated gas and gas clathrates as a fuel source. In someembodiments, vehicle 200 further comprises a separation systemcomprising a second vessel operably connected to the vehicle fuelstorage system 110. This separation system may be configured todissociate the gas clathrates into at least one gas and a host material.The separation system may be operably connected to a delivery systemconfigured to deliver dissociated gas to engine 160. It should beunderstood that the separation system and delivery system are analogousto the separation system 20 and delivery system 50 of vehicle fuelsystem 100. Any disclosure regarding separation system 20 and deliverysystem 50 and their interactions with each other, vehicle fuel storagesystem 10, and with a prime mover are applicable to this separationsystem, delivery system, and their interactions with each other and withvehicle fuel storage system 110 and engine 160.

In such embodiments, the separation system may be configured to deliverdissociated gas to engine 160 and the vehicle fuel storage system 110configured to deliver solid or slurry gas clathrates to engine 160.Alternatively, vehicle fuel storage system 110 may not deliver any ofthe gas clathrates to engine 160 and instead the separation system mayalso deliver solid or slurry gas clathrates to engine 160. For example,the separation system may comprise a second vessel that comprises afirst outlet configured to discharge the dissociated at least one gasand a second outlet configured to discharge the solid or slurry gasclathrate. It should be understood that dissociated gas may also bepresent in the discharge from such a second outlet.

In addition to a separation system or as an alternative thereto, vehiclefuel storage system 110 may be configured to dissociate a portion of thegas clathrates into gas and host material. In such embodiments, vehiclefuel storage system 110 would be configured to both dischargedissociated gas and also gas clathrates as either a solid or slurry. Forexample, first vessel 111 may be configured to vary the temperature andthe pressure of the first vessel 111 to a second temperature and asecond pressure during discharge of the gas clathrates such that aportion of the gas clathrates are dissociated into at least one gas anda host material. For example, the second temperature may be aboutambient temperature and/or at any temperature that is higher than theoperating temperature for storage of the gas clathrates. Alternatively,the second temperature that is about the same as the operatingtemperature for storage of the gas clathrates, but the second pressuremay be a lower pressure than that used for storage. The secondtemperature and second pressure may be such as those disclosed aboveregarding second vessel 21.

In such embodiments, vehicle fuel storage system 110 may be configuredto deliver to the engine 160 the dissociated gas either separately fromthe discharged gas clathrates or may deliver the dissociated gas withthe discharged gas clathrates. Additionally, dissociated gas may bedischarged at the same time or at a different time as the solid orslurry gas clathrates are discharged. Similar to first vessel 11, firstvessel 111 may comprise a gas outlet configured to discharge thedissociated at least one gas and a second outlet configured to dischargethe solid or slurry gas clathrate. It should be understood thatdissociated gas may also be present in the discharge from such a secondoutlet. Dissociated host material may serve as a carrier fluid forfacilitating discharge of the solid gas clathrates as a slurry.Additionally or alternatively, vehicle fuel storage system 110 maycomprise a drain configured to remove at least a portion of dissociatedhost material from first vessel 110.

In embodiments where dissociated gas is delivered to the engine 160 inaddition to discharged gas clathrates, vehicle 200 may also comprise adelivery system configured to deliver gas dissociated from gasclathrates within first vessel 111 and/or the second vessel of aseparation system to the engine 160. It should be understood that thedelivery system may be analogous to the delivery system 50 of vehiclefuel system 100 and may be operably connected to vehicle fuel storagesystem 110 and/or the second vessel of a separation system. Anydisclosure regarding delivery system 50 and its interactions withseparation system 20 are applicable to this delivery system and itsinteractions with vehicle fuel storage system 110 and/or the separationsystem. The delivery system may be configured to introduce thedischarged at least one gas into the engine 160 at substantially thesame time as the discharged gas clathrates are introduced to the engine160. The delivery system may be configured to alternately introduce thedischarged at least one gas and the discharged gas clathrates into theengine 160.

In embodiments where dissociated gas is delivered to the engine 160 inaddition to discharged gas clathrates, the engine 160 may comprises afirst combustion chamber configured to receive and combust dissociatedat least one gas. The engine 160 may further comprise a secondcombustion chamber configured to receive and combust discharged gasclathrate. The first combustion chamber may be thermally coupled to thesecond combustion chamber, whereby heat generated in the firstcombustion chamber is used to heat the second combustion chamber.Alternatively, the first combustion chamber may be thermally isolatedfrom the second combustion chamber. In such embodiments, the engine 160may comprise an internal combustion engine or an external combustionengine.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the artcan use the preceding description to utilize the invention to itsfullest extent. The claims and embodiments disclosed herein are to beconstrued as merely illustrative and exemplary, and not a limitation ofthe scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent tothose having ordinary skill in the art, with the aid of the presentdisclosure, that changes may be made to the details of theabove-described embodiments without departing from the underlyingprinciples of the disclosure herein. In other words, variousmodifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosedin the description above are within the scope of the appended claims.The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following claims.

1. A vehicle fuel system comprising: a vehicle fuel storage systemcomprising a first vessel configured to receive, store, and dischargegas clathrates; and a separation system comprising a second vesseloperably connected to said vehicle fuel storage system, said separationsystem configured to dissociate said gas clathrates into at least onegas and a host material. 2.-31. (canceled)
 32. The vehicle fuel systemof claim 1, wherein said first vessel is configured to maintain gasclathrates as a slurry.
 33. The vehicle fuel system of claim 1, whereinsaid first vessel is configured to maintain gas clathrates as a solid.34.-35. (canceled)
 36. The vehicle fuel system of claim 1, wherein saidfirst vessel is configured to be integrally secured to a frame of avehicle.
 37. The vehicle fuel system of claim 1, wherein said firstvessel is configured to be detachably secured to a frame of a vehicle.38.-57. (canceled)
 58. The vehicle fuel system of claim 1, furthercomprising a first refrigeration system configured to maintain aninternal temperature of said first vessel within a set range.
 59. Thevehicle fuel system of claim 58, wherein said set range comprises about0° C. to about 25° C. 60.-115. (canceled)
 116. The vehicle fuel systemof claim 1, wherein said first vessel is configured to receive said gasclathrates as a solid.
 117. The vehicle fuel system of claim 1, whereinsaid first vessel is configured to receive said gas clathrates as aslurry.
 118. The vehicle fuel system of claim 1, wherein said firstvessel is configured to receive said gas clathrates as at least one gasand a host material and form said gas clathrates within said firstvessel.
 119. The vehicle fuel system of claim 1, wherein said firstvessel of said vehicle fuel storage system comprises a gas outletconfigured and located for removing said at least one gas from saidfirst vessel. 120.-132. (canceled)
 133. The vehicle fuel system of claim1, wherein said vehicle fuel storage system further comprises a firstpressurizing device operably connected to said first vessel andconfigured to maintain pressure within said first vessel. 134.-144.(canceled)
 145. The vehicle fuel system of claim 1, wherein said vehiclefuel storage system further comprises a first heating system configuredand located to impart heat energy to said first vessel. 146.-164.(canceled)
 165. The vehicle fuel system of claim 1, wherein said vehiclefuel storage system further comprises a cooling control systemconfigured to monitor both pressure and temperature and to regulate atleast one of pressure and temperature in order to maintain said gasclathrate within a clathrate stability range.
 166. The vehicle fuelsystem of claim 1, further comprising a first transport device operablyconnected to said vehicle fuel storage system and operably connected tosaid separation system, said first transport device configured totransfer said gas clathrates from said vehicle fuel storage system tosaid separation system.
 167. The vehicle fuel system of claim 166,wherein said first transport device is configured to transport said gasclathrates as a slurry.
 168. The vehicle fuel system of claim 166,wherein said first transport device is configured to transport said gasclathrates as a solid. 169.-206. (canceled)
 207. The vehicle fuel systemof claim 1, wherein said second vessel of said separation system isconfigured to operate at a temperature that is higher than an operatingtemperature of said first vessel. 208.-221. (canceled)
 222. The vehiclefuel system of claim 1, wherein said separation system further comprisesa second refrigeration system configured to maintain an internaltemperature of said second vessel within a set range.
 223. The vehiclefuel system of claim 222, wherein said set range comprises about 0° C.to about 25° C. 224.-254. (canceled)
 255. The vehicle fuel system ofclaim 1, wherein said separation system further comprises a secondheating system configured and located to impart heat energy to saidsecond vessel. 256.-269. (canceled)
 270. The vehicle fuel system ofclaim 1, wherein said separation system is configured to maintain apressure in said second vessel sufficient to dissociate at least some ofsaid gas clathrates into said at least one gas and said host materialand also maintain a pressure greater than the pressure required fordelivering fuel to a prime mover utilizing said vehicle fuel system.271. The vehicle fuel system of claim 1, wherein said separation systemis configured to maintain an internal pressure in said second vessel ofabout ambient pressure to about 30 bar. 272.-281. (canceled)
 282. Thevehicle fuel system of claim 1, wherein said separation system isconfigured to control the rate of dissociation of said gas clathratesbased on fuel requirements of a prime mover of a vehicle utilizing saidvehicle fuel system.
 283. The vehicle fuel system of claim 1, whereinsaid separation system is configured to control the rate of dissociationof said gas clathrates by regulating at least one of the temperature andthe pressure of said gas clathrates within the second vessel. 284.-285.(canceled)
 286. The vehicle fuel system of claim 1, wherein said secondvessel of said separation system comprises a host material outletconfigured for removing said host material from said second vessel.287.-307. (canceled)
 308. The vehicle fuel system of claim 1, whereinsaid separation system further comprises a second pressurizing deviceoperably connected to said second vessel and configured to maintainpressure within said second vessel. 309.-319. (canceled)
 320. Thevehicle fuel system of claim 1, further comprising a recycle systemconfigured to return said host material to said vehicle fuel storagesystem from said separation system. 321.-322. (canceled)
 323. Thevehicle fuel system of claim 320, wherein said recycle system comprisesa second transport device configured to transport said host materialfrom said second vessel to said first vessel. 324.-348. (canceled) 349.The vehicle fuel system of claim 1, further comprising a gas storagevessel configured to store said dissociated at least one gas removedfrom said second vessel, said gas storage vessel operably connected tosaid second vessel and operably connected to a prime mover of a vehicle.350. The vehicle fuel system of claim 349, further comprising a controlvalve operably connected to said gas storage vessel and to said primemover, wherein said control valve is configured to control release ofstored at least one gas from said gas storage vessel.
 351. The vehiclefuel system of claim 349, further comprising a metering systemconfigured to control introduction of stored at least one gas to saidprime mover. 352.-355. (canceled)
 356. The vehicle fuel system of claim1, further comprising a third transport device configured to transportsaid at least one gas from said separation system to a prime mover of avehicle. 357.-384. (canceled)
 385. A vehicle comprising: the vehiclefuel system of claim 1; and a prime mover configured to receive andcombust said at least one gas.
 386. The vehicle of claim 385, whereinsaid prime mover comprises an internal combustion engine.
 387. Thevehicle of claim 385, wherein said prime mover comprises an externalcombustion engine.
 388. The vehicle of claim 385, wherein said primemover comprises a fuel cell.
 389. (canceled)
 390. A method of providinggaseous fuel to a prime mover of a vehicle, said method comprising:providing a vehicle fuel storage system comprising a first vesselconfigured to receive, store, and discharge gas clathrates; providing aseparation system comprising a second vessel operably connected to saidvehicle fuel storage system, said separation system configured todissociate said gas clathrates into at least one gas and a hostmaterial; discharging said gas clathrates from said first vessel to saidsecond vessel; and dissociating at least a portion of said gasclathrates into said at least one gas and said host material. 391.-394.(canceled)
 395. The method of claim 390, wherein said first vessel isconfigured to discharge said gas clathrates as a slurry to said secondvessel.
 396. A vehicle fuel storage system comprising a first vesselconfigured to receive, store, and discharge gas clathrates, said firstvessel configured to be readily and easily removed from a vehicle andconfigured to be readily and easily reattached to a vehicle. 397.-402.(canceled)
 403. A vehicle fuel storage system comprising a first vesselconfigured to receive at least one gas and a host material, wherein saidfirst vessel is configured to agitate said at least one gas and saidhost material at a first temperature and a first pressure compatiblewith forming said gas clathrates from said at least one gas and saidhost material
 404. The vehicle fuel storage system of claim 403, whereinsaid first vessel comprises a mixing element located within said firstvessel and is configured to agitate said at least one gas and said hostmaterial.
 405. The vehicle fuel storage system of claim 403, whereinsaid first vessel is further configured to agitate said gas clathratesat a second temperature and a second pressure compatible withdissociating said gas clathrates into said at least one gas and saidhost material.